With Mother’s Day coming up May 13, you may be looking for ideas. How about a gift certificate covering a one- or two-night stay at a bed and breakfast in Niagara-on-the-Lake? You can even add a gift certificate redeemable toward a Shaw performance or seminar of her choosing. Or perhaps you want to spend Mother’s Day weekend with her, enjoying an overnight stay in a cosy B&B, a delicious home-made breakfast and a Shaw performance and/or a lovely dinner.
I recently attended the 2 p.m. performance of a Man and Some Women at the Court House Theatre and it was delightful. There’s also the musical hit, Ragtime, to consider. Both are excellent choices. For just $5/person, include a one-hour backstage tour at the Festival Theatre at 11 a.m. and you have the makings of a great day.
The intimate Court House Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of four theatres in town.
You needn’t blow the budget either. There are many reasonably priced B&Bs in Niagara-on-the-Lake, starting from $99/night. And it’s early enough in the season, too, to take advantage of special prices for tickets on the same day. Seniors can also save up to 60% on Special Matinee (SM) performances. Be sure to ask about the $35 tickets for Festival Theatre Gallery and Court House Restricted seating. Under 30? Tickets are only $30.
Dining needn’t be expensive either. Ask any B&B owner. They usually know the best places to dine for less. For instance, the beautiful Charles Inn is known for its expensive fine-dining restaurant. However, dine in the lounge where every entrée on the menu is under $15. Same chef, same inn. Just better prices. I hear the shepherd’s pie is to die for.
If you have time, ask your B&B owner for free wine-tasting coupons to sample some of the vintage wines produced by more than 25 wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Or book a chauffeured wine tour with Grape Escape Wine Tours (best deal in town priced from $44/person + taxes), Niagara Vintage Wine Tours or Niagara Classic Cabs. Maybe Mom’s a cyclist in which case, you might want to check out ZOOM Leisure Bike Tours and Rentals. Some tours include lunch or dinner.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is also renowned for its beautiful gardens and nurseries. So stop in at Mori Gardens or the Regal Florist and Garden Centre to pick up a plant or bouquet for mom on your way out of town. It will be a fitting memory to the Mother’s Day weekend she spent with you in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Posted by Donna Vieira